Can Titles and Names Be Protected Under Copyright?

Copyright does not cover titles, names, short phrases, slogans, or common word combinations. These elements are considered too brief to qualify as original creative works under copyright law. Similarly, methods, factual information, ideas, and concepts are not eligible for copyright protection, as copyright safeguards the expression of an idea rather than the idea itself.

For a work to be protected under copyright, it must be original and creative. This means that simply coming up with a name or a short phrase does not grant exclusive rights over it. However, businesses and individuals looking to protect names, slogans, or brand identifiers may explore trademark registration, which is designed specifically for protecting brand-related elements.

While copyright is a powerful tool for protecting creative works such as books, music, and software, it does not apply to short, commonly used words or general concepts.